Winning tip: Termessos, near Antalya, Turkey

If you're in Antalya, it's well worth taking a trip to the ruined Pisidian city of Termessos. It's bewilderingly under-visited, possibly because of the steep climb to the site (1,000m above sea level), and you often feel you have the place to yourself. The impressive amphitheatre has views across the Taurus mountains. Leave Ephesus to the masses and take in this piece of history on your own terms. 30km north-west of Antalya, muze.gov.tr/termessos-enrhiannonabike

Greece

The Byzantine city of Mystra. Photograph: Kevin Rushby

Mystra, PeloponneseThe Despotate of Mystra, as it was known in the 14th century, is the most complete, dramatically sited and atmospheric Byzantine city in Greece. With magnificent views into the valley, it huddles against a steep cliff at the foot of the Taiyetos mountains. Narrow streets give access to medieval semi-ruined houses, palaces and churches, some with brilliant frescoes.vicvomit

Epidavros amphitheatre, PeloponneseWhile staying at the seaside town of Nafplio we went to the amphitheatre at Epidavros, extraordinarily preserved and set against a stunning backdrop. In an audience of thousands, we saw a performance of the Greek tragedy, Medea by Euripides. The acoustics and atmosphere were truly memorable.Buses run from Nafpliopetermcgahan

Discarded Kouros statues, NaxosThe Kouros of Naxos are three statues still lying where they were being chiselled from the marble. Dating from sixth or seventh century BC, the male forms are believed to be either the god Dionysus, or local heroes, destined to grace temples. They lie in open countryside where skilled hands worked on the slabs until fatal flaws were revealed or the stone fractured, and the statues were discarded. These are touching reminders of the minor craftsmen behind the great antiquities.herbalwalks

Church of Agios Spyridon, Kardamyli. Photograph: Alamy

Kardamyli, PeloponneseWith remains of one of the seven cities mentioned in the Iliad, the home of writer Patrick Leigh Fermor and the chapel where Bruce Chatwin's ashes are buried, this is Greece ancient and modern – and for modern comforts stay at the Anniska & Liakoto hotel apartments in the village.kardamili-greece.comsaragarnham

Palace ruins at Knossos, Crete, Greece. Photograph: Alamy

Knossos, CreteEveryone can enjoy this amazing site, with its legends and myths of the minotaur, impressive frescoes and murals, and space to explore and wander without rush. This is a centre of Minoan civilisation and culture. There is enough information for enthusiasts, a decent shop, a nice cafe and unintrusive staff who let you take your time to absorb the atmosphere and wonder. The dolphins and griffins in murals appeal to the younger visitors, and there is plenty of shade from the sun and heat.ancient-greece.org/archaeology/knossos.htmlkris1

Polyrinia, near Kissamos, CreteA 6km amble through the Sirikari gorge brings you to the ruined acropolis of Polyrinia, which means "rich in sheep". A powerful city-state built by the Achaeans, it was recolonised in Byzantine and Venetian times and there is much to see: fortifications, decorative arches, rock tombs and the later Church of the Holy Fathers. Rest in the shaded chapel courtyard and admire the jaw-dropping views of Kissamos Bay and the White Mountains before turning back for the sleepy village of Ano Paleokastro.interkriti.org/crete/hania/polyrinia.htmlbaggyamy

Turkey

Cagaloglu hammam, Istanbul. Photograph: Alamy

Cagaloglu hammam, IstanbulCagaloglu hammam in Istanbul is one of the oldest Turkish baths in the world and has been visited by figures as diverse and illustrious as Florence Nightingale, King Edward VIII and Tony Curtis. This place was built by Sultan Mahmud I in 1741 and still has its high-domed ceilings, marble fountains and interior garden. The bathing experience is as it was in the Ottoman days: you are given a brisk body exfoliation followed by a bubble massage as you lie on a smooth marble plinth.Alemdar Mh. +90 212 522 2424bowbank

Dalyan rock tombsKingfishers overtake the little boats that chug past the mud baths and round a final bend of the Dalyan river to reveal the 2,500-year-old rock tombs carved by the Lycians high up on sheer cliff walls. Our guide explained this was so the souls of the ancient kings of nearby Caunus could be wafted away by winged sirens. There are restaurants opposite, good to enjoy at night while the striking and extremely photogenic site is floodlit.dalyanguide.co.uk/DalyanRock.htmlcornishjay

Greek theatre at Erythrae, IldirAncient pomegranate trees shade the trail up to the Greek amphitheatre of Erythrae. Visitors here are few, even in summer. A sun-wizened old man was minding a hobbit-hole, inside which, on a dusty floor, lay fragments of mouldings and ceramics. When we said we were from England he proudly spoke his two words of English: "Manchester United." Cafes on the coast road to Çesme have terraces with spectacular views over the Aegean.susanmagicbus

Sunset over the Blue Mosque. Photograph: Alamy

Blue Mosque, IstanbulGenerally, crowds detract from an experience - more so in a beautiful, serene, spiritual place. Istanbul's Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Camii) suffers due to its popularity - especially when cruise ships are in. To see and feel it as it should be seen and felt go in the evening – no crowds and a bonus of gorgeous lighting effects. It closes for half an hour for prayers five times a day, so check times online first: bluemosque.cobillontyne

The ruins of Sagalassos. Photograph: Alamy

Sagalassos, near AntalyaMy favourite time to visit Sagalassos, a two-hour drive north of Antalya, is winter, when this ancient site is covered in snow. Climb up to the 9,000-seat theatre and savour the view over this remote but important Pisidian city. Then head down to the library, the rock-cut tombs, the agora with the decorative fountain, and the remains of the bathhouse. The site has ongoing excavations every summer, but for the rest of the year, you are likely to have it to yourself.whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelists/5409lemkenny

Aphrodisias, near Geyre, CariaAphrodisias is a stunning ruin of an ancient Greek city, near the modern village of Geyre, about 230km south-east of Izmir. It's almost on the same scale as Ephesus, but doesn't attract the same crowds. It is quite a trek, but it has a splendidly preserved theatre and stadium, and the remains of a temple of Aphrodite. The museum has a great collection of Roman statues, and there are plans to excavate and display more. The museum contains a great selection of marble Roman statues in very good condition and plans are in place to excavate and display even more, so go now before the crowds really begin to descend on the place.aphrodisias.infojgnaughton

The amphitheatre at Patara. Photograph: Fantuz Olimpio/SIME

PataraA small entrance fee gives you access to the extensive Lycian archaeological site complete with large amphitheatre. Work is still in progress and we found the guys working there really friendly and anxious to explain it all to us. When you have finished looking round the historical site, you can drive a little way further to the beach – 18 km of beautiful sand. There is a small cafe and a few recliners with umbrellas. Paradise!patarainfo.comdayzee

Tlos, near FethiyeWe visited Tlos in spring, when the snow on the mountains provided a magnificent backdrop to this ancient, ruined Lycian citadel subsequently inhabited by Romans, Byzantines and, eventually, Ottoman Turks. We wandered up to the citadel, passing wonderful examples of Lycian carved rock tombs, sarcophaguses and the remains of Turkish baths and a Roman stadium. Despite being surrounded by history it was the all-round view which provided the most lasting spectacle.lycianturkey.com/lycian_sites/tlos.htmannasethi